DIY Terrarium: A Touch of Green To Your Microapartment

If you haven’t tried decorating your microapartment with houseplants yet, you’re really missing out. Apart from adding warmth and character to a space, houseplants give neutral interiors a much-needed boost of color!

Contrary to popular notion, taking care of houseplants is quite easy! This goes especially for low light plants, they are surprisingly easy to maintain. Since the holidays are fast approaching, I thought I ’d share a project that 1) you can use to make the home look extra cozy and/or 2) cute gift items to give away: make-your-own terrarium!

Photo Credit: shop.pistilsnursery.com

Terrariums make a fabulous living decor. They are small enough for the tiniest microapartment and are also suitable for an expansive dwelling. Making your own terrarium is super easy too. And taking care of the plants? Even easier!

Terrariums are a terrific way to upcycle old candle jars and unused glassware too. Most of the materials are available from your local craft store and plant nursery. If you’re ready to add a touch of green to your home, let’s get started!

You will need:

Step 1: Layering the Base

Using a funnel, pour the first layer (stones and pebbles). The small stones, pebbles, and gravel work to regulate the soil moisture. If you are using glass jars with a lid, add a layer of crushed charcoal on top of the stones. The charcoal will help purify and refresh the soil.

Photo Credit: apartmenttherapy.com

After placing an even layer of small stones (and charcoal if needed), add a layer of sand on top of the rocks. The sand will help control the moisture level while also keeping the terrarium stable and level. After that, carefully add an even layer of potting soil on top of the sand layer.

Photo Credit: apartmenttherapy.com

Keeping the soil and sand layer even is important when making a terrarium. Since the glass container is clear, the layers can be seen clearly. That said, the soil layer should be the thickest layer.

Step 2: Start Planting

After adding the soil layer, make holes for the plants. Start with the largest plants and work your way to the smallest plants. Lightly pack the soil as you plant. Give the plants enough room, do not crowd them! Remember, you also need a little room for the landscaping decors.

Photo Credit: apartmenttherapy.com

Looking for more DIY terrarium ideas for your display? Our friends at MorningChores.com made a list of cool terrariums that you can make at home. My favorites are the succulent terrarium and the wall terrarium!

Step 3: Decorate Your Terrarium

Once you are done assembling the soil layers and plants, it’s time to decorate your DIY terrarium! You can use all sorts of landscaping decors to make your terrarium stand out.

Terrarium Maintenance Tips

Terrariums are the perfect living decor for lazy or busy folks. The plants do not require much maintenance save for a light spritz of water daily and watering once or twice per week! Do not overwater the plants because it increases the risk of rot.

Photo Credit: happyplaceterrariums.com.au

While terrariums require little maintenance, you still need to check the soil regularly. The soil should always be kept moist at all times, not soaking wet and not bone dry either. In addition, check if the plants need a little pruning. Slow growing plants are perfect for terrariums because they do not require regular pruning.

Terrariums are best kept in shady spots, away from direct sunlight. Some plants are quite sensitive to direct light, such as tropical plants. Open glass containers are best for plants that love sunlight such as succulents.

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It's Time To Design The Home Of Your Dreams!

Did you ever dream of redesigning your home but felt overwhelmed by the process? We can help! Click below to Access the Space Optimized Free Course “Learning To Design The Home of Your Dreams!” and get started today!

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It's Time To Design The Home Of Your Dreams!

Did you ever dream of redesigning your home but felt overwhelmed by the process? We can help! Click below to Access the Space Optimized Free Course “Learning To Design The Home of Your Dreams!” and get started today!